The news media phone hacking scandal is a controversy over illegal acquisition of confidential information by news media organizations that reportedly occurred in the United Kingdom, the United States
Sean Hoare claimed he was encouraged by Andy Coulson, editor of News of the World to hack phones.
In 2007 Piers Morgan asserted that phone hacking was common practice. "Loads of newspaper journalists were doing it. Clive Goodman, the News of the World reporter, has been made the scapegoat for a widespread practice."
By mid-2012 formal charges had been filed against many News International journalists and executives, including former chief executive Rebekah Brooks.
Public outrage over hacking Milly Dowler's voice mail resulted in loss of advertising to News of the World, leading to its being shut down after 168 years.